Third Sunday in Advent: Epistle, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 The apostle gives us things to do in the epistle for the week. Or does he? Yes, on the practical side the tasks given in this chapter of First Thessalonians are things for us to...
Third Sunday in Advent: Old Testament, Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Gloves, mittens, ugly sweaters. All of these and more give indications of the season, at least in Northern districts. The prophet Isaiah writes about wardrobe but not quite in the...
Second Sunday in Advent: Gospel, Mark 1:1-8 Mark 1:1-8 Mark’s gospel, the primary gospel considered through this church year does not begin with the birth narrative of Jesus. Rather, Mark begins...
Second Sunday in Advent: Epistle, 2 Peter 3:8-14 2 Peter 3:8-14 Looking into the life of the church from the outside, if such a thing is done, would reveal that for many American congregations life goes as it does at any time...
Second Sunday in Advent: Old Testament, Isaiah 40:1-11 Isaiah 40:1-11 Isaiah the prophet has always played prominently in the reading of Christians during Advent. Tagged as “The Fifth Gospel” by many, the faithful servant of the Lord...
First Sunday in Advent: Gospel, Mark 11:1-10 Mark 11:1-10 Yes the Advent focus on the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem is upon us once more. And just a quick reminder that the church year begins often with this...
First Sunday in Advent: Epistle, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Sometimes when I sit down to write these short meditations I look at the text for the week. I read it several times, sometimes in different translations. I...
First Sunday in Advent: Old Testament, Isaiah 64:1-9 Isaiah 64:1-9 The presence of God is reported and received in two ways in the Bible. And though understandable, it is also strange. God’s people desire His presence. God’s enemies...
Christ the King Sunday: Gospel, Matthew 25:31-46 Matthew 25:31-46 Once again. We are on the threshold of the final Sunday of the Church year. God is faithful. Faithful to meet us where He has promised: in the gathering of saints to receive His good...
Christ the King Sunday: Epistle, 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 Thanksgiving Day, (U.S.) Our epistle reading this week points to one issue. THE ISSUE. “But now Christ is risen from...
